US10527219B2 - Mounting track for retaining a mount assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

A mounting track includes a track section having a track base, two vertical track-rails, and horizontal track-beams laterally-spaced-apart from each other by a first distance. An endpiece is attachable to the track section and includes an endpiece base, a vertical endpiece rail, and horizontal endpiece beams. When attached to the track section, the track base and the endpiece base align, the vertical track-rails and the vertical endpiece rail align, and the horizontal track-beams and the horizontal endpiece beams align to form a continuous track within which a retention element of a mount assembly can move. The endpiece includes an insertion zone where opposing portions of the horizontal endpiece beams are spaced-apart from each other by a second distance that is larger than the first distance to facilitate insertion of the retention element into the track.

Description

FIELD

The present invention is directed to the area of mounting track systems. The present invention is also directed to a mounting track for retaining a mount assembly along a continuous track.

BACKGROUND

Providing mounts for holding, retaining, or securing objects has proven beneficial for many different uses. Some mountable-objects, such as electronic devices (e.g., phones, laptops, tablets, visual-enhancement devices, positioning devices, or the like), are increasingly used in situations where mounting the object to a surface increases the convenience of using the object. For example, in the case of hand-held devices, mounts eliminate the need to hold the device, or prop the device up, in order to use the device, thereby allowing a user to use the device, while simultaneously engaging in other activities which may benefit from the use of both hands without the encumberment of holding or propping-up the device. In some instances, mounting the device may increase user safety by enabling use of the device, without the distraction of holding the device.

Track systems enable an object to be held, retained, or secured, while also enabling limited movement of the object along a fixed path, or track. Attaching track systems to a surface provides a way to mount an object to the surface while also allowing flexibility of positioning of the object along portions of the surface along which the track system extends.

BRIEF SUMMARY

In one embodiment, a mounting track includes at least one track section having a track base, two vertical track rails extending opposite each other from the track base, and two horizontal track beams. Each of the horizontal track beams extends from a different one of the vertical track rails over the track base toward the other horizontal track beam. The horizontal track beams are laterally spaced apart from each other by a first distance. At least one endpiece is configured for attachment to the at least one track section. Each endpiece includes an endpiece base, a vertical endpiece rail extending from the endpiece base and forming a perimeter around a portion of the endpiece base, and two horizontal endpiece beams extending from the vertical endpiece rail over the endpiece base toward the other horizontal endpiece beam. When attached to the at least one track section, the track base and the endpiece base align, the vertical track rails and the vertical endpiece rail align, and the horizontal track beams and the horizontal endpiece beams align to form a continuous track within which a retention element of a mount assembly can move along the track. The track is closed at an end by at least the endpiece vertical rail. The at least one endpiece includes an insertion zone where at least two opposing portions of the two horizontal endpiece beams are spaced apart from each other by a second distance that is at least 10% larger than the first distance to facilitate insertion of the retention element of the mount assembly into the track.

In at least some embodiments, the at least one endpiece includes a first endpiece and a second endpiece, where the first endpiece is configured and arranged for attachment to a first end of the at least one track section and the second endpiece is configured and arranged for attachment to a second end of the at least one track section to form a continuous track extending from the first endpiece to the second endpiece.

In at least some embodiments, the at least one track section includes a first track section and a second track section disposed between the first endpiece and the second endpiece.

In at least some embodiments, an insertion piece is disposed between the first track section and the second track section. In at least some embodiments, the insertion piece includes an insertion-piece base, two vertical insertion-piece rails extending opposite each other from the insertion-piece base, and two horizontal insertion-piece beams, where each of the horizontal insertion-piece beams extends from a different one of the vertical insertion-piece rails over the insertion-piece base toward the other horizontal insertion-piece beam, where the horizontal insertion-piece beams are laterally spaced apart from each other by the first distance, and where the at least one insertion piece includes an insertion-piece insertion zone where at least two opposing portions of the two horizontal insertion-piece beams are spaced apart from each other by a second distance that is at least 10% larger than the first distance to facilitate insertion of the retention element of the mount into the track.

In at least some embodiments, an angled-piece is disposed between the first track section and the second track section, the angled-piece having a first end and an opposing second end and including a bend disposed between the first end and the second end, where the angled-piece extends in a first direction between the bend and the first end, and where the angled-piece extends in a second direction between the bend and the second end. In at least some embodiments, the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction.

In at least some embodiments, the angled-piece includes an angled-piece base, two vertical angled-piece rails extending opposite each other from the insertion-piece base, and two horizontal angled-piece beams, where each of the horizontal angled-piece beams extends from a different one of the vertical angled-piece rails over the insertion-piece base toward the other horizontal angled-piece beam, where the horizontal angled-piece beams are laterally spaced apart from each other by the first distance, where the angled-piece includes a multi-directional insertion zone where at least two opposing portions of the two horizontal angled-piece beams are spaced apart from each other by a second distance that is at least 10% larger than the first distance to facilitate insertion of the retention element of the mount into the track, and where the multi-directional insertion zone extends along each of the first direction and the second direction.

In at least some embodiments, the at least one endpiece is coupled to the at least one track section by corresponding interconnecting features disposed along the at least one endpiece and the at least one track section. In at least some embodiments, the interconnecting features include interconnecting tabs and slits. In at least some embodiments, the interconnecting features include interconnecting tabs and grooves.

In at least some embodiments, the track base of at least one of the at least one track section defines an alignment channel configured and arranged for facilitating alignment of a mount assembly relative to the mounting track when a retention element of the mount assembly is received by the continuous track. In at least some embodiments, the track base of at least one of the at least one track section defines a fastening aperture configured and arranged for receiving a fastener for fastening the at least one track section to a surface.

In another embodiment, a track-mounting system includes the mounting track described above and a mount assembly coupleable to the mounting track. The mount assembly includes a mount coupled to a retention element having a flange with a smallest lateral dimension that is greater than the first distance and at least one lateral dimension that is less than the second distance. The retention element is configured and arranged for insertion into the mounting track along the insertion zone and sliding along the continuous track to position the mount at a mounting location along the continuous track.

In at least some embodiments, the retention element is a T-bolt or a T-nut. In at least some embodiments, the mount is a ball. In at least some embodiments, the mount is a cleat. In at least some embodiments, the mounting track defines an alignment channel and the mount includes at least one guide feature configured and arranged for insertion into the alignment channel to control orientation of the mount relative to the mounting track.

In yet another embodiment, a method of coupling a mount assembly to a mounting track includes providing the mounting track described above; attaching the at least one endpiece of the mounting track to the at least one track section; inserting a retention element of a mount assembly into the insertion zone of the mounting track to retain the retention element within the mounting track; and sliding the mount assembly along the mounting track to a mounting location.

In at least some embodiments, the method further includes fastening the mounting track to a surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to the following drawings. In the drawings, like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various figures unless otherwise specified.

For a better understanding of the present invention, reference will be made to the following Detailed Description, which is to be read in association with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of one embodiment of a mounting track that includes track sections, endpieces, an insertion-piece, and an angled-piece coupled together to form a continuous track along which a retention element of a mount assembly can be inserted into and moved along, according to the invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of one embodiment of a portion of the mounting track ofFIG. 1 that includes one of the endpieces, the endpiece including an insertion zone along which a retention element of a mount assembly can be inserted into the track, according to the invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of one embodiment of a portion of the mounting track ofFIG. 1 that includes the insertion-piece, the insertion-piece including an insertion zone along which a retention element of a mount assembly can be inserted into the track, according to the invention;

FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of one embodiment of a portion of the mounting track ofFIG. 1 that includes the angled-piece, the insertion piece including an insertion zone along which a retention element of a mount assembly can be inserted into the track, according to the invention;

FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view of one embodiment of a portion of the mounting track ofFIG. 1 with the angled-piece uncoupled from one of the track sections to show a coupling system of interconnecting tabs and slits, according to the invention;

FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view of one embodiment of a portion of the mounting track ofFIG. 1 with the insertion piece uncoupled from one of the track sections to show the coupling system of interconnecting tabs and slits, according to the invention;

FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view of one embodiment of a portion of the mounting track ofFIG. 1 with one of the endpieces uncoupled from one of the track sections to show the coupling system of interconnecting tabs and slits, according to the invention;

FIG. 8A is a schematic perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a portion of a mounting track that includes an endpiece uncoupled from a track section to show a coupling system of interconnecting tabs and grooves, according to the invention;

FIG. 8B is a schematic perspective view of one embodiment of the portion of the mounting track ofFIG. 8A with the endpiece coupled to the track section using the coupling system of interconnecting tabs and grooves, according to the invention;

FIG. 9A is a schematic first perspective view of a first embodiment of a mount assembly disposed over a portion of the mounting track that includes an insertion zone disposed along an endpiece, the insertion zone suitable for receiving the mount assembly, according to the invention;

FIG. 9B is a schematic second perspective view of one embodiment of the mount assembly and mounting track portion ofFIG. 9A, according to the invention;

FIG. 9C is a schematic perspective view of one embodiment of the mount assembly and mounting track portion ofFIGS. 9A-9B with a retention element of the mount assembly partially inserted into the insertion zone of the mounting track, according to the invention;

FIG. 9D is a schematic perspective view of one embodiment of the mount assembly and mounting track portion ofFIGS. 9A-9B with a retention element of the mount assembly fully inserted into the insertion zone of the mounting track, according to the invention;

FIG. 9E is a schematic perspective view of one embodiment of the mount assembly and mounting track ofFIGS. 9A-9B with a retention element of the mount assembly fully inserted into the insertion zone of the mounting track and slid onto an adjacent track section, according to the invention;

FIG. 9F is a schematic cross-sectional side view of one embodiment of the mount assembly ofFIG. 9E received along a portion of the mounting track ofFIG. 9E, according to the invention;

FIG. 9G is a schematic cross-sectional perspective view of one embodiment of the mount assembly ofFIGS. 9E-9F received along a portion of the mounting track ofFIGS. 9E-9F, according to the invention;

FIG. 10A is a schematic perspective view of a second embodiment of a mount assembly suitable for being received by a mounting track, according to the invention;

FIG. 10B is a schematic perspective cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the mount assembly ofFIG. 10A, according to the invention;

FIG. 10C is a schematic perspective view of one embodiment of the mount assembly ofFIGS. 10A-10B disposed over a portion of a mounting track that includes an insertion zone suitable for receiving the mount assembly, according to the invention;

FIG. 10D is a schematic perspective view of one embodiment of the mount assembly and mounting track portion ofFIG. 10C with a retention element of the mount assembly fully inserted into the insertion zone and a guide feature of the mount assembly aligned with, and disposed over, the mounting track portion, according to the invention; and

FIG. 10E is a schematic perspective view of one embodiment of the mount assembly and mounting track portion ofFIG. 10D with the retention element and the guide features of the mount assembly fully inserted into the mounting track portion, according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention is directed to the area of mounting track systems. The present invention is also directed to a mounting track for retaining a mount assembly along a continuous track.

A mounting track includes one or more track sections and at least one endpiece suitable for attaching to the track section(s) to form a continuous track along which a mount assembly can move. The continuous track retains a retention element of the mount assembly to restrict movement of the mount assembly to positions along the mounting track. The mounting track includes at least one insertion zone where the retention element can be inserted into the continuous track. In at least some embodiments, at least one insertion zone is disposed along the at least one endpiece.

The mounting track can, optionally, be attached to a surface (e.g., a vehicle surface, a dock, a countertop, a cabinet, a table, a floor, a wall, a ceiling, a ledge, or the like). The mounting track can be configured to the size and shape of the surface to which the mounting track is attached. The mounting track can be used to retain any suitable type of mount (e.g., a ball mount, a cleat, or the like or combinations thereof). The mounting track can be used to retain any suitable number of mount assemblies (e.g., one, two three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, twenty, or more mount assemblies).

Retained mounts can be used to hold, retain, or secure any suitable type of object. In some embodiments, a retained mount provides a docking feature for docking with an object, such as an electronic device. In some embodiments, a retained mount is attached to an additional mount that facilitates docking of an object. In some embodiments, the mount can be used to secure the surface to which it is attached to another object. In some embodiments, the mount includes one or more guide features to enable the mount to be retained in the mounting track in a particular orientation relative to the mounting track.

FIG. 1 shows, in schematic perspective view, one embodiment of a mountingtrack101 that includes acontinuous track103 formed from multiple track sections coupled together in an end-to-end configuration. The track sections are suitable for receiving a retention element of a mount assembly to retain the mount assembly while also enabling the mount assembly to be moved along the path of thecontinuous track103 to a mounting location.

In the illustrated embodiment, thecontinuous track103 includestrack sections106a,106b, and106candendpieces111aand111bdisposed along opposing ends of the mountingtrack101. The mounting track includes at least one insertion zone that provides a location where a retention element of the mount assembly is insertable into the continuous track. In at least some embodiments, the insertion zone is disposed along at least one of the endpieces. In the illustrated embodiment, aninsertion zone126ais disposed along each of theendpieces111a,111b.

In at least some embodiments, the one or more insertion zones are the only locations where the mount assembly can be inserted (or removed) from the mounting track. The mounting track can include any suitable number of insertion zones including, for example, one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, or more. It may be advantageous to intersperse insertion zones along stretches of multiple track sections to eliminate the need of moving mount assemblies along long stretches of track.

In at least some embodiments, the mountingtrack101 includes at least one insertion-piece116 with an insertion zone formed thereon. One or more insertion-pieces can be interspersed along the mounting track, as desired. For example, one or more insertion-pieces can be positioned between two track sections or between a track section and an endpiece.

The mounting track can extend in a single direction, or can extend in multiple different directions. In at least some embodiments, the mountingtrack101 includes at least one angled-piece121 that forms a bend that enables the mounting track to extend in several different directions therefrom. In the illustrated embodiment, the mountingtrack101 extends in multiple different directions from the angled-piece121, where one portion of the mountingtrack101 extends along a first direction, as indicated by two-headedarrow123a, and another portion of the mountingtrack101 extends along a second direction, as indicated by two-headedarrow123b, that is different from thefirst direction123a.

In some embodiments, the angled-pieces include insertion zones disposed thereon. The insertion zones can be formed to enable insertion of a retention element of a mount assembly along the first direction, the second direction, or both the first and the second directions. In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 1, in addition to theinsertion zones126adisposed along theendpieces111a,111b, the mounting track also includesinsertion zone126bdisposed along an insertion-piece116, and amulti-directional insertion zone126cdisposed along an angled-piece121 that enables a mount assembly to be inserted along either thefirst direction123aor thesecond direction123b.

The mounting track can include any suitable number of track sections (e.g., one, two three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, twenty, or more track sections). The mounting track can include any suitable number of insertion-pieces (e.g., zero, one, two three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, or more insertion-pieces). The mounting track can include any suitable number of angled-pieces (e.g., zero, one, two three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, or more angled-pieces).

The track sections, optional insertion-pieces, and optional angled-pieces can be positioned within the mounting track in any suitable order. It may be advantageous to configure the size and shape of the mounting track to accommodate the size and shape of the surface to which the mounting track is attached. Additionally, it may be advantageous to position the insertion zones to accommodate ease of inserting mount assemblies in proximity to their desired location(s) of use along the surface to which the mounting track is attached.

FIG. 2 shows, in schematic perspective view, one embodiment of a portion of the mountingtrack101 that includes theendpiece111battached to a portion of thetrack section106c. Thetrack section106aincludes atrack base231 and two vertical track rails233a,233bextending opposite each other from thetrack base231. Two horizontal track beams235a,235bextend from the vertical track rails233a,233b, respectively, over thetrack base231 towards each other.

The horizontal track beams235a,235bare laterally spaced apart from each other by afirst distance237. In at least some embodiments, the horizontal track beams235a,235bare laterally spaced apart from each other by afirst distance237 along an entire longitudinal length of thetrack section106b. In at least some embodiments, the horizontal track beams235a,235bof each track section of the mounting track are laterally spaced apart from each other by afirst distance237.

Theendpiece111bincludes anendpiece base251 and avertical endpiece rail253 extending from theendpiece base251 and forming a perimeter around a portion of theendpiece base251. Two horizontal endpiece beams255a,255bextend from thevertical endpiece rail253 over theendpiece base251 towards each other.

As illustrated inFIG. 2, when theendpiece111bis coupled to thetrack section106c, thetrack base231 and theendpiece base251 align; the vertical track rails233a,233band thevertical endpiece rail253 align; and the horizontal track beams235a,235band the horizontal endpiece beams255a,255b, respectively, align to form thecontinuous track103 within which a retention element of a mount assembly can be moved. Thecontinuous track103 is closed at one end by at least thevertical endpiece rail253.

Theendpiece111bincludes theinsertion zone126awhere at least two opposing portions of the two horizontal endpiece beams255a,255bare spaced apart from each other by asecond distance257 that is larger than thefirst distance237 to facilitate insertion of a retention element of the mount assembly into the continuous track. In at least some embodiments, thefirst distance237 and thesecond distance257 are relatively sized such that thesecond distance257 is larger than a dimension (e.g., a width or a diameter) of the retention element that is transverse to the length of the mounting track at the insertion zone, while thefirst distance237 is smaller than the transverse dimension of the retention element. In at least some embodiments, thesecond distance257 is at least 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25% larger than thefirst distance237. In at least some embodiments, thesecond distance257 is no more than 25%, 20%, 15%, 10%, 5% larger than thefirst distance237.

The mounting track can, optionally, be attached to a surface. The mounting track can be attached to a surface in any suitable manner including, for example, one or more adhesives, or one or more fasteners (e.g., screws, nails, pins, or the like), hook and loop fasteners, or combinations thereof.FIG. 2 shows afastening aperture239 defined in thetrack base231 and afastening aperture259 defined in theendpiece base251. Thefastening apertures239,259 are each suitable for receiving a fastener, such asfasteners241a,241b, respectively. It will be understood that one or more fastening apertures may, likewise, be defined in one or more insertion-pieces, or angled-pieces, or both.

FIG. 3 shows, in schematic perspective view, one embodiment of a portion of the mounting track that includes the insertion-piece116 coupled on one end to tracksection106aand coupled on an opposing end to tracksection106b.

The insertion-piece116 includes an insertion-piece base351 and two vertical insertion-piece rails353a,353bextending opposite each other from the insertion-piece base351. Two horizontal insertion-piece beams355a,355bextend from the vertical insertion-piece rails353a,353b, respectively, over the insertion-piece base351 towards each other.

A portion of the horizontal insertion-piece beams355a,355bare laterally spaced apart from each other by thefirst distance237. As shown inFIG. 3, the horizontal track beams of theadjacent track sections106a,106bare also laterally spaced apart from each other by thefirst distance237. The insertion-piece116 includes theinsertion zone126bwhere at least two opposing portions of the two horizontal insertion-piece beams355a,355bare spaced apart from each other by the second distance257 (that is larger than the first distance237) to facilitate insertion of a retention element of the mount assembly into the track.

As illustrated inFIG. 3, when the insertion-piece116 is coupled to thetrack sections106a,106b, the insertion-piece base351, vertical insertion-piece rails353a,353b, the horizontal insertion-piece beams355a,355balign with the corresponding portions of thetrack sections106a,106bto form a portion of the continuous track within which a retention element of a mount assembly can be moved.

FIG. 4 shows, in schematic perspective view, one embodiment of a portion of the mounting track that includes the angled-piece121 coupled on one end to tracksection106b. The angled-piece121 includes abend258 and opposing first and second ends256aand256b, respectively. The angled-piece121 extends from thebend258 to thefirst end256aalong thefirst direction123a, and from thebend258 to thesecond end256bin thesecond direction123b. In the illustrated embodiment, thefirst end256ais coupled to thetrack section106b, which continues to extend along thefirst direction123a, and thesecond end256bis coupled to thetrack section106c, which continues to extend along thesecond direction123b. Thebend258 can form any suitable angle along the angled-piece121 including, for example, 10°, 20°, 30°, 45°, 60°, 70°, 80°, 90°, 100°, 110°, 120°, 135°, 150°, 160°, or 170°.

The angled-piece121 includes an angled-piece base451 and two vertical angled-piece rails453a,453bextending opposite each other from the angled-piece base451. Two horizontal angled-piece beams455a,455bextend from the vertical angled-piece rails453a,453b, respectively, over the angled-piece base451 towards each other.

A portion of the horizontal angled-piece beams455a,455bare laterally spaced apart from each other by thefirst distance237. As shown inFIG. 4, the horizontal track beams of theadjacent track sections106a,106bare also laterally spaced apart from each other by thefirst distance237.

The angled-piece121 includes themulti-directional insertion zone126cwhere opposing portions of the two horizontal angled-piece beams455a,455bare spaced apart from each other by the second distance257 (that is larger than the first distance237) to facilitate insertion of a retention element of the mount assembly into the track. As shown inFIG. 4, the two horizontal angled-piece beams455a,455bare spaced apart from each other by thesecond distance257 along both thefirst direction123aand thesecond direction123b, thereby enabling insertion of a retention element into the continuous track along eithertrack section106bor106c.

As illustrated inFIG. 4, when the angled-piece121 is attached to thetrack sections106b,106c, the angled-piece base431, vertical angled-piece rails453a,453b, the horizontal angled-piece beams455a,455balign with the corresponding portions of thetrack sections106b,106cto form a portion of the continuous track within which a retention element of a mount assembly can be moved.

Turning toFIG. 5-8B, in some embodiments the mounting track is pre-assembled prior to being received by an end user. When pre-assembled, the mounting track can be permanently assembled, or can be disassemble-able. In other embodiments, the mounting track is assembled together by an end user. In at least some embodiments, the mounting track can be assembled in a first configuration, disassembled, and re-assembled in either the first configuration or one or more second configurations that are different from the first configuration with the same components or with one or more additional (or fewer) track sections, endpieces, insertion-pieces, or angled-pieces.

The track sections, endpieces, insertion-pieces, or angled-pieces can be coupled together using any suitable technique including, for example, adhesives, hook and loop fasteners, snaps, or the like. In at least some embodiments, the individual components of the mounting track are coupleable via interconnecting features, such as tabs and slits or tabs and grooves, disposed along adjacent track components (e.g., track sections, endpiece, insertion-pieces, angled-pieces).

The interconnecting features can be positioned in any combination along the end portions of the track components. The interconnecting features can be positioned along the vertical rails, bases, horizontal beams, or combination thereof. In some embodiments, the male interconnecting features are disposed along the pieces (the endpieces, insertion-pieces, angled-pieces), while the female interconnecting features are defined along the track sections. In other embodiments, the female interconnecting features are defined along the pieces (the endpieces, insertion-pieces, angled-pieces), while the male interconnecting features are disposed along the track sections.

FIG. 5 shows, in schematic perspective view, one embodiment of a portion of the mounting track with thetrack section106buncoupled from the angled-piece121 to show one embodiment of a coupling system utilizing interconnecting tabs and slits. InFIG. 5, the angled-piece121 includestabs561a,561bprojecting from an end of the vertical angled-piece rails453a,453b. Thetabs561a,561bare configured to interconnect withslits563a,563b, respectively, defined in an end of the vertical track rails533a,533b, respectively, oftrack section106b.

FIG. 6 shows, in schematic perspective view, one embodiment of a portion of the mountingtrack101 with the insertion-piece116 uncoupled at a first end from thetrack section106aand uncoupled at an opposing second end fromtrack section106b. InFIG. 6, the insertion-piece116 includes tabs661a-661dprojecting from the vertical angled-piece rails353a,353b. Thetabs661a,661bare configured to interconnect withslits663a,663b, respectively, defined in vertical track rails633a,633b, respectively, oftrack section106a. Similarly,tabs661c,661dare configured to interconnect with slits (not shown) defined in vertical track rails oftrack section106b.

FIG. 7 shows, in schematic perspective view, one embodiment of a portion of the mountingtrack101 with theendpiece111buncoupled from thetrack section106c. InFIG. 7, theendpiece111bincludestabs761a,761bprojecting from opposing ends of thevertical endpiece rail253. Thetabs661a,661bare configured to interconnect with slits (not shown) defined in vertical track rails233a,233bof thetrack section106b.

Turning toFIGS. 8A-8B, in at least some embodiments the interconnecting features for coupling together components of the mounting track include interconnecting tabs and grooves in lieu of, or in addition to, interconnecting tabs and slits.FIG. 8A shows, in schematic perspective view, one embodiment of a portion of atrack section806 uncoupled from anendpiece811 with aninsertion zone826 to show an alternate embodiment of a coupling system of interconnecting features.FIG. 8B shows, in schematic perspective view, one embodiment of thetrack section806 coupled to theendpiece811.

InFIGS. 8A-8B, theendpiece811 includes avertical endpiece rail853 extending from anendpiece base851 and forming a perimeter around a portion of theendpiece base851. Theendpiece811 includestabs861a,861bprojecting from one end of theendpiece811 along opposing portions of thevertical endpiece rail853.

Thetrack section806 includesvertical track sections833a,833bextending from atrack base831.Grooves865a,865bare defined along outer walls of thevertical track sections833a,833b. Thegrooves865a,865bare configured and arranged to interconnect with thetabs861a,861bof theendpiece811. In at least some embodiments, thegrooves865a,865bextend along an entire length of thetrack section806, thereby enabling a similar coupling to be made along an opposing end of thetrack section806 with tabs extending from another component of the mounting track.

The illustrated embodiment also showsshoulders867a,867bdisposed along inner walls of thevertical track sections833a,833bat an interface between thevertical track sections833a,833band thetrack base831. In at least some embodiments, similar shoulders are disposed along corresponding portions of theendpiece811. In at least some embodiments, similar shoulders are disposed along corresponding portions of insertion-pieces and angled-pieces. The shoulders form analignment channel869 that enable guide features of a mount assembly to extend into the track to facilitate maintaining of a particular orientation of the mounting assembly relative to the mounting track. In at least some embodiments, a region between the horizontal beams and above the shoulders functions as the alignment channel, while a region between the shoulders retains the retention element of the mount assembly.

As illustrated inFIGS. 8A-8B, when theendpiece811 is attached to thetrack section806, thetrack base831 and theendpiece base851 align; the vertical track rails833a,833band thevertical endpiece rail853 align to form a continuous track within which a retention element of a mount assembly can move along the track.

Turning toFIGS. 9A-10E, the mounting track can be used to retain a retention element of a mounting assembly. Any suitable retention element can be used. In at least some embodiments, the retention element includes a flange configured for retention beneath opposing horizontal beams of the continuous track, while one or more elongated members coupled to the flange extend outward from the continuous track to a position over the mounting track and couple with a mount. In at least some embodiments, the flange and the elongated member are a unitary structure, such as a T-bolt. In at least some embodiments, the elongated member is threaded. In at least some embodiments, mounts can be removed from the elongated member and swapped out for other mounts, as desired.

InFIGS. 9A-9G, a mounting track is configured for receiving a mount assembly that includes a ball mount.FIGS. 9A-9B show, in a schematic perspective views, amount assembly971 that includes aball mount973 coupled to theretention element975 that includes aflange976 coupled to anelongated member977. Theretention element975 and the elongated member can, optionally, be a single component, such as a T-bolt. The mount assembly can, optionally, include multiple retention elements, elongated members, or both.

The mountingassembly971 is shown disposed over a portion of a mountingtrack901 that includes atrack section901 coupled to anendpiece911a. In at least some embodiments, the retention element includes a flange having a smallest lateral dimension that is greater than the first distance (see e.g.,237 inFIG. 2) and at least one lateral dimension that is less than the second distance (see e.g.,257 inFIG. 2), thereby enabling the retention element to be inserted into an insertion zone and retained by the continuous track along any non-insertion-zone portion of the continuous track.

In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 9B, the flange of theretention element975 is shown as being substantially flat with afirst axis981 and asecond axis983, where thesecond axis983 is larger than the first distance (see e.g.,237 inFIG. 2) and smaller than the second distance (see e.g.,257 inFIG. 2), while the first axis is larger than both the first distance (see e.g.,237 inFIG. 2) and the second distance (see e.g.,257 inFIG. 2). In some instances, such a configuration may reduce, or even prevent, rotation of the retention element relative to the continuous track while the mounting assembly is retained in the continuous track.

FIG. 9C shows, in schematic perspective view, one embodiment of themount assembly971 partially inserted into theinsertion zone926aof theendpiece911aof the mountingtrack901.FIG. 9D shows, in schematic perspective view, one embodiment of themount assembly971 fully inserted into theinsertion zone926aof theendpiece911aof the mountingtrack901.

FIG. 9E shows, in schematic perspective view, one embodiment of themount assembly971 fully inserted into theinsertion zone926aof theendpiece911aof the mountingtrack901 and slid onto thetrack section906. In the illustrated embodiment, the mountingtrack901 further includes asecond endpiece911bcoupled to an opposite end of thetrack section906 from theendpiece911a. Thesecond endpiece911balso includes aninsertion zone926b. Consequently, in at least some embodiments, the mountingassembly971 is insertable into the mounting track along eitherinsertion zone926aor926b. In at least some embodiments, the mountingassembly971 is removable from the mountingtrack901 from eitherinsertion zone926aor926b.

FIG. 9F shows, in schematic cross-sectional side view, one embodiment of themount assembly971 retained along a portion of the mountingtrack901.FIG. 9G shows, in schematic cross-sectional perspective view, one embodiment of themount assembly971 retained along a portion of the mountingtrack901.

In at least some embodiments, the mounting assembly includes a cleat.FIG. 10A shows, in schematic perspective view, one embodiment of amount assembly1071 suitable for being received by a mounting track.FIG. 10B shows, in schematic cross-sectional perspective view, one embodiment of themount assembly1071. As shown inFIGS. 10A-10B, themount assembly1071 includes a mount that is formed as acleat1073 and is attached to aretention element1075. In some embodiments, thecleat1073 includes one or more optional guide features1079a,1079bfor facilitating the maintaining of a particular orientation of thecleat1073 relative to the mounting track.

FIG. 10C shows, in schematic perspective view, one embodiment of themount assembly1071 disposed over theinsertion zone826 of theendpiece811 of a mountingtrack1001.FIG. 10D shows, in schematic perspective view, one embodiment of themount assembly1071 partially inserted into theinsertion zone826 of theendpiece811 of the mountingtrack1001. Thecleat1073 is rotated such that the guide features1079a,1079bare aligned with the continuous track, but are not received by the track.

FIG. 10E shows, in schematic perspective view, one embodiment of themount assembly1071 fully inserted into theinsertion zone826 of theendpiece811 of the mountingtrack1001 and slid onto thetrack section806. Thecleat1073 is rotated such that the guide features1079a,1079bare aligned with the continuous track and partially inserted betweenhorizontal track beams1035a,1035bof thetrack section806 to prevent rotation of themount assembly1071 relative to the mountingtrack1001.

In at least some embodiments, the mount assembly471 (e.g., the ball or the cleat) includes a retention mechanism for enabling the mount assembly to removably maintain a particular location, such as a mounting location, along a length of the mounting track. For example, a user may be able to rotate the mount (or a dial or knob disposed on the mount), or flip a lever attached to the mount, or the like, thereby reversibly actuating the retention mechanism to tighten against a portion of the mounting track to maintain the positioning of the mount assembly relative to the mounting track. In at least some embodiments, the mount can be tightened against the track using the retention element. For example, the mount may define a threaded bore that receives a threaded portion of the elongated member, thereby enabling the mount to be rotated relative to the retention element to tighten the mount against the track.

The above specification provides a description of the manufacture and use of the invention. Since many embodiments of the invention can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the invention also resides in the claims hereinafter appended.

Claims (20)

The invention claimed is:

1. A mounting track, comprising:

at least two track sections, each of the track sections comprising a track base, two vertical track rails extending opposite each other from the track base, and two horizontal track beams, wherein each of the horizontal track beams extends from a different one of the vertical track rails over the track base toward the other horizontal track beam, wherein the horizontal track beams are laterally spaced apart from each other by a first distance;

at least two endpieces configured and arranged for attachment to the at least two track sections, each of the endpieces comprising an endpiece base, a vertical endpiece rail extending from the endpiece base and forming a perimeter around a portion of the endpiece base, and two horizontal endpiece beams extending from the vertical endpiece rail over the endpiece base toward the other horizontal endpiece beam, wherein, when attached to the at least two track sections, the track bases and the endpiece bases align, the vertical track rails and the vertical endpiece rails align, and the horizontal track beams and the horizontal endpiece beams align to form a continuous track within which a retention element of a mount assembly can move along the track, wherein the track is closed at two ends by at least the vertical endpiece rails, wherein the at least two endpieces comprise a first endpiece and a second endpiece, wherein the first endpiece is configured and arranged for attachment to a first end of the at least two track sections and the second endpiece is configured and arranged for attachment to a second end of the at least two track sections to form a continuous track extending from the first endpiece to the second endpiece, wherein the at least two track sections comprise a first track section and a second track section disposed between the first endpiece and the second endpiece, wherein the at least two endpieces each comprise an insertion zone where at least two opposing portions of the two horizontal endpiece beams are spaced apart from each other by a second distance that is at least 10% larger than the first distance to facilitate insertion of the retention element of the mount assembly into the track; and

an insertion piece disposed between the first track section and the second track section, wherein the insertion piece comprises an insertion-piece base, two vertical insertion-piece rails extending opposite each other from the insertion-piece base, and two horizontal insertion-piece beams, wherein each of the horizontal insertion-piece beams extends from a different one of the vertical insertion-piece rails over the insertion-piece base toward the other horizontal insertion-piece beam, wherein the horizontal insertion-piece beams are laterally spaced apart from each other by the first distance,

wherein the at least one insertion piece comprises an insertion-piece insertion zone where at least two opposing portions of the two horizontal insertion-piece beams are spaced apart from each other by a second distance that is at least 10% larger than the first distance to facilitate insertion of the retention element of the mount assembly into the track.

2. The mounting track ofclaim 1, wherein the first endpiece is attachable to the first track section by corresponding interconnecting features disposed along the first endpiece and the first track section.

3. The mounting track ofclaim 2, wherein the interconnecting features comprise interconnecting tabs and slits, wherein each of the tabs extends from one of the vertical track rails or vertical endpiece rail and each of the slits is an aperture in one of the vertical track rails or vertical endpiece rail.

4. The mounting track ofclaim 2, wherein the interconnecting features comprise interconnecting tabs and grooves, wherein each of the tabs extends from one of the vertical track rails or vertical endpiece rail and each of the grooves is formed along an exterior of one of the vertical track rails or vertical endpiece rail.

5. The mounting track ofclaim 1, wherein the track base of at least one of the first and second track sections defines an alignment channel configured and arranged for facilitating alignment of the mount assembly relative to the mounting track when the retention element of the mount assembly is received by the continuous track.

6. The mounting track ofclaim 1, wherein the track base of at least one of the first and second track sections defines a fastening aperture configured and arranged for receiving a fastener for fastening the at least one of the first and second track sections to a surface.

7. A track-mounting system, comprising

the mounting track ofclaim 1; and

the mount assembly coupleable to the mounting track, the mount assembly comprising a mount coupled to the retention element comprising a flange with a smallest lateral dimension that is greater than the first distance and at least one lateral dimension that is less than the second distance, the retention element configured and arranged for insertion into the mounting track along the insertion zones and sliding along the continuous track to position the mount at a mounting location along the continuous track.

8. The track-mounting system ofclaim 7, wherein the retention element is one of a T-bolt or a T-nut.

9. The track-mounting system ofclaim 7, wherein the mount is a ball.

10. The track-mounting system ofclaim 7, wherein the mount is a cleat.

11. The track-mounting system ofclaim 7, wherein the mounting track defines an alignment channel, and wherein the mount comprises at least one guide feature configured and arranged for insertion into the alignment channel to control orientation of the mount relative to the mounting track.

12. A method of coupling a mount assembly to a mounting track, the method comprising:

providing the mounting track ofclaim 1;

attaching the first endpiece of the mounting track to the first track section;

inserting the retention element of the mount assembly into the insertion zones of the mounting track to retain the retention element within the mounting track; and

sliding the mount assembly along the mounting track to a mounting location.

13. The method ofclaim 12, further comprising fastening the mounting track to a surface.

14. A mounting track, comprising:

at least two track sections, each of the track sections comprising a track base, two vertical track rails extending opposite each other from the track base, and two horizontal track beams, wherein each of the horizontal track beams extends from a different one of the vertical track rails over the track base toward the other horizontal track beam, wherein the horizontal track beams are laterally spaced apart from each other by a first distance;

at least two endpieces configured and arranged for attachment to the at least two track sections, each of the endpieces comprising an endpiece base, a vertical endpiece rail extending from the endpiece base and forming a perimeter around a portion of the endpiece base, and two horizontal endpiece beams extending from the vertical endpiece rail over the endpiece base toward the other horizontal endpiece beam, wherein, when attached to the at least two track sections, the track bases and the endpiece bases align, the vertical track rails and the vertical endpiece rails align, and the horizontal track beams and the horizontal endpiece beams align to form a continuous track within which a retention element of a mount assembly can move along the track, wherein the track is closed at two ends by at least the vertical endpiece rails, wherein the at least two endpieces comprise a first endpiece and a second endpiece, wherein the first endpiece is configured and arranged for attachment to a first end of the at least two track sections and the second endpiece is configured and arranged for attachment to a second end of the at least two track sections to form a continuous track extending from the first endpiece to the second endpiece, wherein the at least two track sections comprise a first track section and a second track section disposed between the first endpiece and the second endpiece, wherein the at least two endpieces each comprise an insertion zone where at least two opposing portions of the two horizontal endpiece beams are spaced apart from each other by a second distance that is at least 10% larger than the first distance to facilitate insertion of the retention element of the mount assembly into the track; and

an angled-piece disposed between the first track section and the second track section, the angled-piece having a first end and an opposing second end and comprising a bend disposed between the first end and the second end, wherein the angled-piece extends in a first direction between the bend and the first end, and wherein the angled-piece extends in a second direction between the bend and the second end.

15. The mounting track ofclaim 14, further comprising an insertion piece configured and arranged for attachment between the first track section and the second track section.

16. The mounting track ofclaim 14, wherein the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction.

17. The mounting track ofclaim 14, wherein the angled-piece comprises an angled-piece base, two vertical angled-piece rails extending opposite each other from the insertion-piece base, and two horizontal angled-piece beams, wherein each of the horizontal angled-piece beams extends from a different one of the vertical angled-piece rails over the insertion-piece base toward the other horizontal angled-piece beam, wherein the horizontal angled-piece beams are laterally spaced apart from each other by the first distance,

wherein the angled-piece comprises a multi-directional insertion zone where at least two opposing portions of the two horizontal angled-piece beams are spaced apart from each other by a second distance that is at least 10% larger than the first distance to facilitate insertion of the retention element of the mount assembly into the track, and wherein the multi-directional insertion zone extends along each of the first direction and the second direction.

18. The mounting track ofclaim 14, wherein the first endpiece is attachable to the first track section by corresponding interconnecting features disposed along the first endpiece and the first track section.

19. The mounting track ofclaim 18, wherein the interconnecting features comprise interconnecting tabs and slits, wherein each of the tabs extends from one of the vertical track rails or vertical endpiece rail and each of the slits is an aperture in one of the vertical track rails or vertical endpiece rail.

20. A track-mounting system, comprising

the mounting track ofclaim 14; and

the mount assembly coupleable to the mounting track, the mount assembly comprising a mount coupled to the retention element comprising a flange with a smallest lateral dimension that is greater than the first distance and at least one lateral dimension that is less than the second distance, the retention element configured and arranged for insertion into the mounting track along the insertion zones and sliding along the continuous track to position the mount at a mounting location along the continuous track.

Images